A 16-year-old male Singaporean has been issued with a Restriction Order (RO) under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for being self-radicalised by online far-right extremist propaganda. This is the second case of a Singaporean youth being dealt with under the ISA for being radicalised by far-right extremist ideologies.
A person issued with a RO must abide by several conditions and restrictions. For example, the individual is not permitted to change his or her residence or employment, or travel out of Singapore, without the approval of the Director ISD. The individual also cannot access the Internet or social media, issue public statements, address public meetings or print, distribute, contribute to any publication, hold office in, or be a member of any organisation, association or group, without the approval of Director ISD.
Investigations found that the youth, who is of Chinese ethnicity, identified as a white supremacist and aspired to conduct attacks overseas in support of the white supremacist cause. He was exposed to violent extremist material online in 2022, particularly videos by foreign far-right personality Paul Nicholas Miller.
Paul Nicholas Miller is an American far-right political commentator and white supremacist. He advocates for a race war, and espouses white supremacist and neo-Nazi rhetoric. He has been tied to multiple far-right extremist organisations overseas, including the Proud Boys and the Boogaloo movement.
By early 2023, he developed a strong hatred towards communities typically targeted by far-right extremists, including African Americans, Arabs, and LGBTQ+ individuals. He subscribed to the Great Replacement Theory, which propagated the idea that the indigenous white population in Western countries was at risk of being replaced by non-white immigrants.
The youth actively participated in far-right online chat groups, where he shared violent anti-African American videos to gain a sense of belonging to the white supremacist community. He considered travelling to Western countries such as France, Italy, the US, and Russia to participate in attacks against these communities. However, due to financial constraints and a lack of knowledge and resources, he did not take any concrete steps towards carrying out these attacks.
According to MHA news release, in 2022, the youth came across videos from foreign far-right figure Paul Nicholas Miller, exposing him to violent extremist content online. By 2023, he developed a strong hatred towards communities frequently targeted by far-right extremists, such as African Americans, Arabs, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Fueled by extremist rhetoric online, he believed that African Americans were responsible for a significant amount of crime in the US and felt they deserved a terrible fate. He also believed that illegal Arab immigrants had carried out violent attacks against white populations in Western countries. He subscribed to the Great Replacement Theory, which is commonly advocated by far-right terrorists like Brenton Tarrant, and believed that non-white immigrants endangered the indigenous white population in Western countries.
These ethno-nationalist beliefs convinced him that communities like African Americans and Arabs should be forced out of majority-white countries. The youth actively participated in various far-right online chat groups and channels, where he shared violent anti-African American videos in order to feel a sense of belonging to the white supremacist community. Currently, he strongly identifies as a white supremacist and sympathizes with pro-white ideologies. He hopes to be recruited by white supremacist groups overseas to engage in violent attacks and fight for white interests.
It is important to note that there is no indication that the youth tried to influence his family or friends with his extremist views, and they were unaware of his radicalisation, according to MHA.
The youth will now undergo a comprehensive rehabilitation program aimed at countering the extremist ideologies he absorbed online. The program will include psychological counseling to address his propensity to violence and the factors that made him susceptible to radical influences. ISD case officers will work closely with his family and school to provide support and monitor his progress. He has been assigned mentors who will offer guidance and cyber-wellness skills. Community partners, such as the Inter-Agency Aftercare Group (ACG), will also contribute to his rehabilitation through community-based programs that promote pro-social skills.
In a separate case, a 19-year-old Singaporean was released from detention and issued with a Suspension Direction (SD) after making significant progress in his rehabilitation.
This individual was the first Singaporean to be dealt with under the ISA for being radicalised by far-right extremist ideologies. During his three years in detention, he underwent an intensive rehabilitation program which effectively dismantled his extremist mindset. He received counseling from a Christian pastor to address his misguided beliefs and embraced virtues of non-violence and inter-faith harmony. He also had mentors to support his personal growth and development, and his family played an integral role in his rehabilitation.
The Singaporean government emphasizes the importance of vigilance in recognizing signs of radicalisation. Family members and friends are urged to be observant of changes in behavior, such as frequent visits to radical websites, sharing extremist views on social media, expressing support for violence, promoting ill-will towards other races or religions, and expressing intent to participate in acts of violence. Anyone who suspects or knows that an individual has been radicalised is urged to promptly contact the ISD Counter-Terrorism Centre hotline.
While far-right extremist ideologies have not gained a significant foothold in Singapore, the cases of these two youths serve as a reminder that Singaporeans are not immune to such ideologies, and that there is a need to maintain vigilance. Far-right ideologies, which often espouse white supremacist, anti-Islam, xenophobic and anti-immigration beliefs, can be adapted to fit the Singaporean landscape. One example is by advocating for the superiority of specific communities, through the lens of cultural, ethno-religious, or nationalist supremacy. Far-right extremist rhetoric promotes an “us-versus-them” narrative, “them” being members of other communities who are perceived to be the enemy. Such divisive rhetoric can create deep societal divides, amplify prejudices, and encourage acts of violence towards minorities or “out-groups”. The Government takes a zero-tolerance approach to any form of hate speech, regardless of the ideology or justification.
We must be vigilant to signs that someone around us may have become radicalised, so that the authorities can intervene early to avert a tragedy. Family members and friends are best placed to notice changes in behaviour.
MHA Singapore
Family members and friends are best placed to notice changes in behaviour. Possible signs of radicalisation include, but are not limited to, the following:
(a) Frequently surfing radical websites;
(b) Posting/sharing extremist views on social media platforms, such as expressing support/admiration for terrorists/terrorist groups as well as the use of violence;
(c) Sharing extremist views with friends and relatives;
(d) Making remarks that promote ill-will or hatred towards people of other races or religions;
(e) Expressing intent to participate in acts of violence overseas or in Singapore; and/or
(f) Inciting others to participate in acts of violence.
15. Anyone who knows or suspects that a person has been radicalised should promptly contact the ISD Counter-Terrorism Centre hotline 1800-2626-473 (1800-2626-ISD).
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